The 5 favourites to be the next Oxford United manager

Lennon is currently managing in the top flight of Scottish football again with Hibs, and doing a very good job by all accounts. It would probably be fair to say however that if a decent job appeared south of the border again, he may be tempted. Is Sky Bet League One an upgrade or downgrade from the league that houses the likes of Celtic and Rangers? That is open to debate. The Northern Irishman has dipped his toe into English football management with Bolton Wanderers a few seasons ago. He would help keep the club in the Championship, but the following season he departed with them rooted to the bottom, and he departed before relegation was confirmed. He is best known for his time at Celtic both as a player and manager, where he earned the vast majority of his honours. A move to Oxford however may seem unlikely.

2nd) Frank Lampard – 3/1

The Chelsea legend is currently looking towards a role in coaching and management at some point in the future. Perhaps Oxford is a realistic starting role for him? In the same period of time where another top player from the same generation, Ryan Giggs, was handed his first outright number one role in management, maybe Lampard could follow suit? It certainly would not be the hugest of surprises if it did happen, although there could be some question marks surrounding it. The former England international won practically every major honour in the game as a player, certainly domestically, but is Sky Bet League One outside his comfort zone? Maybe, but he could be one willing to work his way up the pyramid. The Daily Mail states that he is holding talks.

1st) Michael Appleton – 5/2

The Oxford Mail rate a return for Appleton to the Kassam Stadium as ‘unlikely’, but the link is an obvious one. The current Leicester City assistant manager is doing a fine job at the King Power Stadium, and Claude Puel certainly would not want to lose his right hand man. That being said, if a suitable managerial job became available then the Frenchman probably wouldn’t want to stand in his way. Appleton certainly was a success during his time with the club, helping them win promotion into Sky Bet League One, a position they still hold. A quick return is certainly very unlikely, but maybe he’ll view it as unfinished business, and wish for a chance to finish off what he started.

About Author

I currently work as a Championship Research Analyst for Onside Analysis Ltd. In this role I provide match previews and reviews for every Championship game. I also delve into matches from all across the globe, gaining an insight into football from different leagues in different countries. I came into this role shortly after graduating from The University of Hull after studying BSc Sports Coaching & Performance. I am a Lincoln City fan and thankfully they're back in The72!!